Chapter 25
II.
“I offer this to you.”
The envoy bowed deeply and respectfully presented the tribute. A servant carefully received it and delivered it to the Emperor.
Wrapped in soft cloth, the Emperor picked it up delicately.
The ‘Heart of the Black Prince,’ as it was called, lived up to its reputation as the darkest gem in the world. It was a pure, deep black, unlike other gems that dazzled or shimmered under the light. Its uniqueness made it rare and highly valued. At a glance, it resembled the entrance to a tiny abyss.
“So, that’s the famous ‘Heart of the Black Prince.’”
“Looking at it, don’t you feel something strange? It has no luster, just like a plain black stone, but there’s something eerie about it. It feels like it might suck you in.”
“I’ve heard it’s an extremely rare gem, but perhaps my taste is too humble to appreciate its beauty. I still think gems should sparkle…”
From a distance, the nobles exchanged their impressions of the ‘Heart of the Black Prince.’
Amidst the bustling ballroom, the Emperor studied the gem intently and noticed that it barely reflected the light of the chandelier.
He was an exceptional mage, a being who had come closer to the truths of the world than anyone else. Understanding that the reason one could perceive objects with their eyes was due to the reflection of light, he realized that this material, which absorbed light almost perfectly, was not merely a “rare gem” as the world judged it to be. It was an incredibly interesting material. Worth researching.
“Take it to my study.”
Just as he gave the order and handed the gem to the head servant, a sudden thought flashed through the Emperor’s mind. That slave. The one with black hair who had wept so pitifully beneath him, the nameless slave.
Was it because of her hair color?
Strictly speaking, black hair was not special in the slightest. It was a common color, found everywhere. Even in this ballroom alone, there were several people with black hair. Yet, for some reason, the first thing that came to mind through association was that slave.
The Emperor felt the need to find a reasonable explanation and quickly came up with a plausible one. It was because the slave’s hair was exceptionally black compared to others. He hadn’t paid close attention, but the faint image of it swaying weakly had occasionally caught his eye, making it impossible to ignore.
Were her eyes black too? Probably. They were always closed or obscured by tears, so he hadn’t gotten a proper look.
Black hair and black eyes. What a dull combination. Add this “Heart of the Black Prince” to the mix, and it would be quite a sight. If it were made into a necklace and hung around her neck…
The thought that flashed through his mind for a brief moment made the Emperor let out an incredulous laugh.
As if a dog deserved horseshoes. How absurd.
It was too precious to give to a slave. Even if she were sold a hundred, no, a thousand times, it wouldn’t be enough to buy such a thing.
The Emperor neatly erased the ridiculous option from his mind and handed the “Heart of the Black Prince” to the head servant.
However, the thought of checking whether the slave’s eyes were black lingered in his mind like an afterimage.
◇ ◆ ◇
Yoo Jaha, summoned by the head maid, followed the servant who had come to fetch her, her nerves stretched taut.
In this imperial palace where there was no empress or consort, the head maid directly under the Emperor was the highest-ranking woman Jaha could realistically encounter. Being suddenly summoned by such a person left her not just bewildered but deeply anxious.
It felt similar to being called to the principal’s office during her school days without knowing why. But unlike a teacher who might scold her, in this world, a single misstep could cost her her head.
This was precisely why Jaha had hoped to avoid getting involved with high-ranking individuals as much as possible. At best, she’d break even, and even if she managed to impress them and gain something, one mistake could ruin everything, forcing her to give up far more than she had gained. For someone who wanted to lie low and return safely to Earth, avoiding them altogether was the only answer.
I absolutely must not offend the head maid.
Steeling herself, Jaha prostrated herself on the floor the moment she entered the room.
“I’ve brought her, madam.”
“Good. You may leave now.”
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